Always Believe in Love (Emerson Book 4)

by Maureen Driscoll

  “Yes,” said Kate. “I am the Countess of Layton. But it might interest you to know I grew up in Weymouth. I am as much a part of this coast as any who were born and bred here. You can trust me when I say my husband means no one harm. He simply seeks answers. I should also add that he can be rather stubborn. I do not see him leaving until we attain the answers we need. And, as one who grew up in this part of the world, I am certain you do not wish to be seen with an earl on an extended basis. It could make people think they can’t trust you. And that can be dangerous.”

  Deakes looked impressed in spite of himself. “I can see why his lordship married ye, milady. Ye have a way of gettin’ straight to the point. So what is it ye wish to know?”

  “Did you ever meet the Earl of Ridgeway?”

  “No. And that’s the truth. I got no desire to have ye lingerin’ about here. So I’m tellin’ ye what I know in hopes ye’ll depart forthwith. I never met him, but I heard of him. He was tryin’ to find someone to do business for him in France. Tried all up and down the coast he did, though he was careful to stay away from us at the Revenue. Our paths never crossed.”

  “You are certain you never saw him,” asked Nick.

  “As I said, I figure tellin’ ye the truth is the best way to get ye to leave. I never saw him, but Mrs. Willis might know. She’s the widow of a lad who did business with Ridgeway.”

  “Why would she speak to me?”

  “Because her husband was killt workin’ for Ridgeway. I think she’ll tell ye anythin’ ye need to know. Though you may want to take coins and gin. The more, the better.”

  “Thank you,” said Nick.

  “If it’s jus’ the same to ye, I’d prefer it if ye thanked me by never coming back.”

  “It would be our pleasure,” said Kate with a smile for the man.

  * * *

  After stopping at the local shop to buy food and the local tavern for gin, Nick’s carriage stopped at the end of a road with barely enough room to turn around. His second coachman, Biddles, approached. “According to the directions, Mrs. Willis lives down that ravine a bit. But there’s no way we can get the carriage there, milord. I can take your purchases, then return here to help Watkins turn the carriage.”

  “Thank you, Biddles, but I can manage myself. I also don’t want to give Mrs. Willis a fright to see a coachman in livery. She might think we mean her harm.”

  “I’m worried she’ll mean you harm, milord. This isn’t exactly a welcoming place.”

  There were a few small cottages that appeared to be vacant. One was missing most of its roof. Another looked to have burned most of the way to the ground at some point. And there were no people around.

  At least none they could see.

  “I share your concern. Perhaps the Countess should stay with you.”

  “I will never feel more secure than when I am by your side,” said Kate in a tone of voice he knew he shouldn’t argue with. “That is, of course no reflection on you, Biddles. I simply enjoy my husband’s company and trust him to always keep me safe.”

  Kate had clearly charmed his men, because Biddles got a rather lovestruck smile on his face as he said. “Of course, milady.”

  “Yes, well, we should be on our way,” said Nick more gruffly than he intended. But, really, did his servants have to like his wife so much? He knew he was being absurd because it was good that they liked her, since he might need their help defending her if trouble jumped off. He just didn’t like men in general paying her too much heed.

  Now he was being more absurd by the moment.

  Kate reached to take one of the bags.

  “I can take both of them,” said Nick.

  “I thought you might like to have one hand free in case you need to reach for your pistol.”

  Damn it. That’s exactly what he should have been thinking of. Clearly, his wife could scramble his wits.

  It was a quarter of an hour walk on uneven stones before they found Mrs. Willis’s small abode. Nick was vigilant with their every step and Kate kept up a steady watch of their surroundings, as well. When they finally arrived at the ramshackle cottage, Nick was glad Kate had insisted that they bring food, as well as the coins and gin. For anyone who lived there would almost certainly be hungry.

  They were almost at her door when they were stopped by the sight of a blunderbuss, held by a weathered woman who was anywhere from forty to seventy. “Stop right there afore I blow yer heads off. Or yer bollocks,” she added with a nod in Nick’s direction.

  “We mean you no harm,” said Nick, pushing Kate safely behind him.

  But, of course, she just popped back out the other side.

  “Please forgive us for interrupting,” she said. “I am Kate Chilcott, née Winston. I grew up in Weymouth. My husband and I wish to seek your advice about an issue.”

  Nick noticed Kate didn’t use his title, in case the old woman was familiar with it.

  Mrs. Willis carefully studied Kate, though she didn’t lower the weapon. “Mebbe ye grew up in Weymouth. But this one din’t,” she said, indicating Nick. “’e’s a toff. And I ‘ate toffs.”

  “And that is what you can help us with, if you would be so kind,” said Kate. “We brought along some items from the village.”

  The old woman looked at the sacks they’d brought with them and it was clear she was tempted. “I don’ take charity.”

  “We are not offering any,” said Kate. “We need information and would like to pay you for your assistance with the items we have brought. We have food and drink.”

  “Coin would’ve worked jus’ fine,” said the old woman, even though she’d perked up at the mention of drink. “I don’ have all day, so tell me what ye need.” She reached into one of the bags and took out a loaf of bread and a bottle of gin. She took a swig of the drink and a bite of bread.

  Kate looked at Nick, which he took as his cue to tell the story. “We heard that your late husband had business dealings with a man we are curious about.”

  The woman stopped eating and almost stopped drinking. “This is about me Burt?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” said Kate, gently. “I am sorry to bring up sad memories.”

  After swallowing the gin, Mrs. Willis spit on the ground. “I curse ‘is miserable soul. ‘e went from one scheme to another until ‘e got ‘isef killt, leavin’ me in this dump. The best thing ‘e ever did was get ‘iself a best friend who was ‘andsome as the devil. Good in bed, too.” Here she looked at Nick appraisingly, then back at Kate. “Though prolly not as good as that ‘un.”

  “Yes, well,” said Kate with a blush.

  Nick had been half-hoping she would offer testimony as to his skills in the bedchamber as a way of gaining Mrs. Willis’s trust. But when that wasn’t forthcoming, he continued. “We are particularly interested in a man who claimed to be the Earl of Ridgeway. In case you do not know, the man himself died several years ago, so nothing you tell us now could in any way come back to harm you.”

  The old woman became wary at the mention of Ridgeway. “Why do ye wanna know?”

  “We believe someone may have impersonated him.”

  “Wot’s that mean?”

  “Someone may have pretended to be him,” replied Nick. “Did you ever see him? Could you describe him?” He held his breath as he waited for her response.

  “Aye,” she said. “I seen him many a time.”

  “What did he look like?”

  “Like ‘e ‘ad a poker up ‘is arse. ‘e was real proud of bein’ an earl. Used to talk about it so everyone could ‘ear, which drove Burt mad because ‘e didn’t want to get caught.”

  “Can you describe the earl?” asked Nick. “Besides the poker?”

  “’e was tall, good lookin’. Seemed like ‘e ‘adn’t done a bit of work in ‘is life. Typical toff. Fair ‘air. Blue eyes, cold as the ocean.”

  Nick couldn’t believe his relief. That didn’t describe the former Earl of Ridgeway or Layton. Kate looked at him and he shook his head. The smile
she gave him was blinding in its radiance.

  “What exactly did your husband do for the earl?” Nick asked the woman, who had almost finished the first bottle of gin.

  “Took a few trips to France fer ‘im.”

  “What kind of cargo did they transport?”

  “Brandy, lace. The kind of items them Lunnon gennleman paid well for.”

  “Spies?”

  Mrs. Willis was surprised by the blunt question, for it was possible someone could be hanged for such activities even this many years after the war.

  But she shrugged. “Not that I know of. Not because me Burt was opposed to it. ‘e di’n’ give a damn about the war, but ‘e were too much of a coward to risk the noose. But that Ridgeway still got ‘im killt.”

  “How was that?”

  “Burt did other jobs fer this Ridgeway. Used to be ‘is bully boy when force was callt for. Even got ‘iself into some blackmail. Used to pick up payments from some toff in Wiltshire. But one day when ‘e was there, he see’d the one we thought was Ridgeway riding in some fine carriage. Burt followed ‘im back to a castle. That’s when ‘e knew this Ridgeway was playin’ ‘im for a fool. He was already rich as a pirate, but was barely payin’ Burt a pittance. Burt demanded more blunt.”

  “How did the earl take that?” asked Kate.

  “Not well. Burt was killt a fortnight later. It was made to look like highwaymen. But I know’d better. I’m sure it were Ridgeway.” The old woman was wistful for a moment. “Ye din’t bring no more gin, did ye?”

  “I’m afraid not,” said Nick. “Did you ever see Ridgeway again?”

  “No. ‘e probably feared Burt ‘ad tol’ someone about ‘im. Or thought I’d a cut ‘is throat. I might ‘ave. But ne’er got the chance.”

  Nick pulled out some coins. “Thank you, Mrs. Willis. You’ve been most helpful.”

  “I don’ got teeth to bite these,” she said, studying the coins. “They real?”

  “They are, madam,” said Nick with a kind smile for her, as he held out his arm for Kate. “Thank you for your time. I bid you good day.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Kate could tell something was wrong, as she walked back up the hill with Nick. He had his hand on her back and while she could have told him she needed no assistance, it felt so good – so right – to feel his touch that she simply let him help her.

  As soon as they were in the privacy of his carriage, he pulled her into his arms, then rapped on the roof, setting them on the way to Wiltshire. She thought they would be going on to Nick’s home, but she knew Wiltshire was where the Emersons resided.

  “What is it, Nick? It seemed like the description of the Earl of Ridgeway didn’t match the man you knew.”

  “It didn’t. The former Earl of Ridgeway looked, unsurprisingly, like me. And the former Earl of Layton had light brown hair. But, I believe I do know the man she described and he is very much alive. I believe it is the Duke of Bancroft. And I suspect the man he was blackmailing was the Earl of Ridgeway.”

  “Why would the Duke of Bancroft do such a thing?”

  “I do not know what he is capable of. He is the father of a friend of mine, Nathaniel Gage, the Marquess of Grayson and there is no love lost there. I want to consult with my brothers, then we’ll talk to Nate.” He absent-mindedly kissed her. “This will likely create several problems. It could also be dangerous, if Bancroft had anything to do with Burt’s death.” He kissed Kate again. “I shouldn’t have brought you. But your home might not have been safe, either.”

  Kate put her fingers on his mouth. Her whole hand tingled from the contact. “I am your wife. My place is by your side. I do not like the thought of you going into danger, either. And, remember, I am a formidable fighter.”

  She was relieved to see him smile. “How could I forget?” he asked, as he leaned in to kiss her again.

  Kate still wasn’t used to the effect of Nick’s kisses. Though if she lived to be one hundred, she didn’t think she would ever be unaffected by them. While the contact was limited to their lips, she felt his kisses through every part of her.

  She had to remind herself she was a married woman now. She’d already learned more about the act of love than she’d ever thought possible. Yet, she had a feeling there was so much more to learn. And she loved the thought of Nick being her teacher.

  “Why are you smiling?” he asked.

  “I was just thinking that we are truly married now. In all ways.”

  His eyes grew darker and he kissed her again. Slowly, with passion that seeped through to her soul.

  * * *

  It was late afternoon when the carriage finally turned in to the Ridgeway drive. Nick was anxious for Kate to meet his family and for them to meet her. He hadn’t known just how important it was for them to like each other until this moment.

  He looked at her now. But instead of the gleeful anticipation she’d been exhibiting all day, she sat there nervously biting her lip. He took one of her hands. “There is nothing to fear. You’ll like them.”

  She smiled weakly at him. “I am certain they’re quite lovely. They would have to be if they’re your family. But I will have nothing in common with them. I haven’t been to London since I was a young girl.”

  “I doubt they’ll quiz you about the city.”

  “It is more than that. I haven’t really been anywhere. And I cannot talk of fashion. Indeed, my few gowns are adequate for village life, but I’m certain they will give the countess and your sisters a fright.”

  “I assure you that Ava and the others will find no fault with you or your clothes. Indeed, because the family has been short of funds and quite unwilling to take money from me, the ladies dress simply, other than what Rose can sew. However, I have to think that even if they dressed in the first stare of fashion, they wouldn’t look down upon you for your gowns. They’re much better people than that.”

  “They’re peers.”

  “And you are a countess,” he said with a smile and a quick kiss.

  “I keep forgetting that, which is yet another reason why I am not cut out for the position.”

  “You are perfect for it.”

  The carriage drew to a halt. Biddles opened the door and Nick stepped out into the cool spring day. The country air smelled like it had recently rained. As Nick took Kate’s hand to help her out of the carriage, he was struck once again by how natural it felt to do so. To touch her in any way. He was a fortunate man to be able to do that for the rest of his life.

  Kate’s eyes widened as she looked at the house, a two-storey Tudor-style home with eight bedchambers. “So this is an earl’s country estate,” she said.

  “Actually, this is the dower house. The manor itself is another half mile away. Rose moved the family into the dower house last year for the economy of it. The manor was leased to a dreadful American family which had set its sights on Colin’s title. When he married Ava instead, they decamped, though, fortunately, they paid the lease in advance. But my brothers and sisters didn’t move back because they may be leasing it out again.” He was rambling, but he didn’t want Kate to feel any more out of place than she already did. And he especially didn’t want to answer questions about his own home, which was much larger than even Ridgeway Manor.

  “The family must be away,” he said. “Otherwise I am certain they would’ve come out to meet us.”

  “I believe I see them,” said Kate, pointing to several people a couple hundred yards away.

  Nick turned to see Colin and Ava walking hand-in-hand toward them. James and Irene emerged from a copse of trees, along with Rose who was carrying a basket of wildflowers. Even Mr. and Mrs. Stemple – the butler and cook – were enjoying the outing. Colin was the first to notice them, then must have told the others. Soon all were waving and smiling.

  Nick noticed that Kate couldn’t help but smile and wave back.

  “I am quite certain they’re wondering who accompanied you,” she said. “I imagine this will come as quite a shock to th
em.”

  “It came as quite a shock to us,” said Nick, as he took Kate’s hand and started walking toward his family. He knew this was a significant moment for all of them.

  As they passed an old oak tree, he heard his eight-year-old sister Letty, though he couldn’t see her. “Nick!” she said from somewhere above. “Is that you?”

  Nick looked around to see where Letty’s voice was coming from. Then he realized she was in the tree several feet away.

  “Yes, love. I am here and I want to introduce you to….”

  “I can’t hear you. Let me come down!” Letty poked her head out from a limb a good ten feet off the ground.

  “Sweetheart, be careful.”

  “Don’t worry!” said Letty, as she quickly moved downward. “I’ve done this before…”

  But the words were no sooner out of her mouth than the branch cracked and Letty screamed. Nick ran toward the tree, but Kate was closer. She put up her arms to catch Letty, but tripped over a protruding root. For a moment, both of them were suspended in mid-air, then Kate turned so that she’d hit the ground on her back with Letty on top of her.

  Both landed hard, though Kate had succeeded in cushioning Letty’s fall.

  Both lay there motionless.

  * * *

  Kate hit the ground, knocking the breath out of her. For a moment, she was unable to speak. The little red-haired girl was motionless and Kate feared she’d been seriously hurt. Still unable to draw breath or speak, she ran her hands over the girl to assess her injuries.

  The girl looked down at Kate and her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, miss!” she said. “I am so sorry!”

  Kate tried to comfort the girl, but she still couldn’t speak. Nick arrived, looking scared, which was odd, since he hadn’t been frightened even when they were attacked in Weymouth. He ran his hands over her and the girl. Kate felt foolish for not being able to tell him she was unharmed. But her breath was only slowly returning. Then she realized they were surrounded by his family, who also looked frightened.

  She had certainly made a clumsy first impression.

  The poor girl had moved off her and was crying. She was comforted by a woman Kate believed to be the countess.